Engine hoist

[wannarun70]

Looking to get something for the weekend. Unfortunately there are no more big trees in my yard. Haha. Harbor frieght seems to be the only one who has them in stock. Any thoughts on the pittsburgh steel hoist at harbor frieght or any others. Thanks.

[Lynn]

They used to carry two. Not sure what they have now. The little one will NOT work on a RWD car. It does not have enough reach. I bought one in 2012 just to pick up engines and put them on a stand. Sold it when I was done. It worked fine.

My second experience with Pittsburgh hydraulics was not so good. Bought some cheap bottle jacks. Two of them would not hold. One was so bad, it wouldn't stay extended even without a load. Good thing I bought four, even though it turned out I only needed two.

[wannarun70]

Anyone ever use excell hoists?

[markinnaples]

I just bought one at Harbor Freight that was on sale. I only need it to lift out my 302 of my Camaro, but I wanted one that was lighter so I could move it around with relative ease. So many that I looked at were huge and would have been tough to push around. I plan on putting it together this week and pulling the engine, so I'll let you know how that goes.

[wannarun70]

I was going to get the harbor frieght one today also. How much was it on sale for? Was it the 2 ton? I'll let you know how it works also. Pulling a 396 out of my chevelle. Good luck.

[markinnaples]

I got the 1 Ton just because it probably will only be used once for my small block as I don't do a lot of heavy mechanical stuff with engines. It was $189 with a 25% off coupon, so $142 plus tax.

[Lynn]

They show a one ton and a two ton. I don't know if those are the same two they had back in 2013. If so, I doubt you will be able to extend the boom far enough on the one ton to remove an engine from a first gen Camaro.

I am sure Mark will report once he gets his set up.

[markinnaples]

Yes, I will definitely get back. I read some independent reviews of each one, and people seemed to be happy with the 1 ton, so hopefully it'll work out for me. That said, if I had a big block or was planning on doing this more than once, I'd have opted for the 2 ton without question.

[wannarun70]

Pulling the motor tomorrow. Was planning on changing oil pan and and freezeout plugs while motor on the hoist. Now thinking maybe i should do it on an engine stand. Might be easier with motor upside dowm. Question is, if I do it on an engine stand and turn motor upside down do I have to worry about the lifters bleeding out while doing pan and freezeout plugs or anything else. Thanks.

[wannarun70]

The harbor freight 2 ton hoist worked fine but i wish the arm was a little longer. Also bought the 2 ton engine stand and it was a pain in the ass to spin the motor(BBC). I bent the handle and had to use the hoist to raise and spin the motor.